Rockies switch Triple-A affiliation to Albuquerque

UPDATE (2:37 p.m. MT): It's official.

It's official: Proud to welcome Colorado @Rockies as our new MLB affiliate. #Rox2Abq pic.twitter.com/wT6p2sL5bL

— Albuquerque Isotopes (@AbqTopes) September 17, 2014

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It appears the Colorado Rockies' 21-year partnership with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox is over.

The Rockies are set to switch their Triple-A affiliation from The Springs to Albuquerque, according to Andy McDonnell, formerly of KUSA and The Denver Post. The move comes on the heels of rumors that the Los Angeles Dodgers will move their Triple-A team to Oklahoma City as part of a purchase of that franchise. It also confirms the news that broke on Monday about Colorado Springs being among three Rockies affiliates looking for new parent clubs this offseason.

The Albuquerque Isotopes have scheduled a press conference for 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday to announce a new MLB affiliation, per KRQE Sports' Van Tate.

The Rockies reportedly haven't been happy with the stadium situation in Colorado Springs even though a humidor and new playing field were recently installed at 8,500-seat Security Service Field, which opened in 1988. The Springs could be the new home of the Astros' Triple-A squad, tweets Grand Junction broadcaster Adam Spolane.

Meanwhile, the Rockies' Triple-A operation will move into 13,279-seat Isotopes Park, which emerged from the old Albuquerque Sports Stadium as a $25 million, almost completely brand new facility in 2003. The ballpark housed the Marlins-affiliated Isotopes, which moved from Calgary prior to the 2003 season, through 2008 before changing their affiliation to the Dodgers.

Colorado still does not have player development contracts worked out at the Double-A and Short Season-A levels, but details on those should begin to emerge soon. Stay tuned for more info.